Black Mold

Probably the most feared words to a home owner these days are
“black mold.’ We have all heard horror stories of homes having to be practically
torn down and rebuilt to get rid of the mold. Now in the summer black mold will
thrive because of the heat and humidity. However, that is not it. As winter
arrives and it get colder outside the warmth and the moisture in the home can
also cause black mold growth. It is a sure thing that a solution is needed for
black mold that is effective but affordable.

The first thing to do if you think your home may have black mold is to
positively identify it. Then, make a very thorough inspection of your house. As
soon as you see it and the extent of the mold, start treating it right away to
stem the spread. There are many black mold treatments you can buy and even
companies that will come in and rid you of black mold. However, the price can be
steep. The great thing is that you can make a cheap, effective cleaner at home.
Most things you buy will contain ammonia, so it would be good to buy a plastic
spray bottle and mix it with chlorine bleach and water. Don’t use an old ammonia
bottle because even a little ammonia mixed with chlorine causes chlorine gas
that can be deadly, especially in a closed house. In your new spray bottle put
one half cup of bleach to one gallon of water to make your black mold cleaner.
Now you have a solution for black mold that will last around three months. Just
remember to shake it and get the two ingredients mixed before you use it after
sitting.

This solution does have a negative aspect. Since the main cleaner is bleach,
things like wallpaper, paint, fabrics, and paper may not fair well if this
mixture is used. In that case, avert back to ammonia and water and you will find
this will work as well on those things.

So remember, you can treat black mold with “green mixtures” and they will
usually work almost as good as your store bought solutions and save you money in
the process.

Caution: Mold is toxic and dangerous. Mold can cause severe health problems and
even death. It is important to always consult a professional when mold is